With home court advantage at Benalla Showgrounds, the Saints started strongly, matching the Tigers in the opening term to enter the first break just a goal in arrears.
It was quickly made up, however, with Benalla winning the second term by a goal to head into the halftime huddle all square at 14-14, with Bridget Hill and Nikita Hanson combining well under the ring to draw the Saints level.
But a lapse as the two sides returned to the court cost Benalla dearly, with the Tigers scoring eight of the first 10 goals in the third term amid a 15-5 quarter, blowing the contest wide open to enjoy a 10-goal advantage with one quarter to play.
It was a valiant effort from the Saints in the final term, refusing to let Rochester run away with things, winning the quarter 12-8 and pegging the Tigers’ lead back to just six, however it was too little, too late, as Rochester claimed the eventual 37-31 victory.
Megan Morrison put in a strong performance on the defensive end, named Benalla’s best in the loss, while Nikita Hanson’s work in attack earned her a spot in the best also, alongside the ever-reliable Chloe Hill, with the Saints coach continuing to lead by example week in, week out.
It doesn’t get any easier for Benalla, either, with a road trip to Euroa in round seven to take on the reigning premier in formidable form, the Magpies yet to lose a game in 2025.
In other results, Benalla’s B grade side went down 27 to 32, with Claire Marriott, Alex Davies and Mia Matthews best on court in the loss, while B Reserve went down 30 to 55 against a strong Rochester outfit despite brilliant efforts from Kate O'Donoghue, Madi King and Chelsea Wallace.
The under-17s were valiant in defeat, led by Bronti Mustey, Matilda Horne, and Georgia Levy in the 35 to 55 loss, while the under-15 side went down by a goal, losing 34-35, with Darcey Carracher, Claudia Kelly and Ilka Cunneen the best on court.
